The Australian Sporting Alliance for People with a Disability (ASAPD) announces the appointment of Dr Phil Hamdorf PhD GAICD as its inaugural Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. 

Dr Hamdorf, an esteemed executive with three decades’ experience in health, sports and public administration, was appointed following an extensive month-long search that attracted outstanding talent from both Australia and overseas. 

Throughout his career, Dr Hamdorf has held dis2nguished leadership and advisory roles within government sport portfolios, in addition to serving as the President of Exercise and Sports Science Australia and Sports Medicine Australia SA. 

Expressing his enthusiasm at being appointed Dr. Hamdorf stated, “There are tremendous opportunities to spearhead a unified effort in creating active and enriched lives by fostering inclusive sporting and physical sector environments.” 

“As CEO of ASAPD, my primary focus will be on advocating, educating, informing, supporting, and enhancing the capacity of the broader sports sector to be fully inclusive for all individuals living with disability. I’m honoured to take on this privileged position.” 

John Croll AM, Independent Chair of the Board of Directors at ASAPD, was confident with the appointment, stating that Dr Hamdorf’s extensive leadership experience in this sector, coupled with his proven ability to unite people, will play a crtical role in the delivery of their strategic plans.  

“Not only is he the most qualified individual for this important position, but he is also a true champion for inclusivity; and with his clear vision, I am certain he will drive ASAPD forward,” he added.  

ASAPD represents a collaborative initiative between eight participating Australian National Sporting Organisations for People with Disabilities (NSODs), all of whom have joined forces to establish a unified voice in their quest to enhance sports and physical activity accessibility for individuals with disabilities, impairments, or limitations. Ultimately, this initiative supports the diverse communities they collectively represent.